Senapati today launched Covid-19 vaccine drive at District hospital Conference Hall with Senapati District Commissioner Th. Kirankumar as the chief guest, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Pfokhreho Pfoze as president.
District Immunization Officer (DIO)/MS Dr M Sokha A, while addressing her speech highlighted about the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine, which is developed from the chimpanzee adenovirus with studies conducted around 30,000 different countries. She mentioned that Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine is launched in Indian market as COVISHIELD, manufactured at Serum Institute India, Pune. She further stated that COVISHIELD is bound for the region as it can be stored at 2-8 degrees providing 60-90% immunity following the vaccination with booster dose to be given after 28 days.
In the inaugural program, the CMO expressed his elation while reminding the public on the need to wear masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing before and after receiving the vaccine. He also highlighted the safety of the COVISHIELD by citing the studies done in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa.
Senapati DC, Th. Kirankumar expounded about the need to combat several rumours spreading about the vaccine on social media. In view of misinformation he elaborated on the eminent role of media to defend factual misinterpretation and in combating rumours about the vaccine.
With around fifty people including doctors and hospital staffs attending the program, 24 healthcare workers including the CMO, Dr Pfokreho Pfoze received COVISHIELD vaccine. It was reported that there were no adverse effect such as rashes, itching, breathing, difficulties, dizziness, nausea, etc. after the vaccine was administered.